Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anne-Marie Laoun, president of Georges Laoun Opticien, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
For almost 40 years, Georges Laoun Opticien has been known as a leader and pioneer in the optical industry in Quebec, offering our clients cutting-edge lens technology and design from the world’s most creative independent eyewear creators.
Our third-generation family-owned and operated business pride itself on our community-oriented values and active involvement in our neighbourhoods and provincial arts and culture scene.
Tell us about yourself
My parents founded the company in Montreal in 1983. Shortly after, my two brothers and sister hopped on board. I came into the picture in the year 2000 with the intention of helping out temporarily, and I fell in love with Georges Laoun Opticien. Our family history and our work history go hand-in-hand. What keeps me motivated is the desire to continue to share the values of community-driven entrepreneurship: collaborating with family-owned suppliers and designers and supporting other small businesses. We are also fervent supporters of local artists and cultural organizations and offer our spaces and financial resources to advance their goals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I purchased the company 12 years ago and feel that it will be able to continue with the next generation. I feel like I am continuing my parents’ work; even as the business continues to evolve in different ways, I am confident the values will remain unchanged: family, creativity, and community.
I am proud that we have been able to stand strong through many challenges, including the threat of big businesses overtaking the optical industry and the restrictions imposed during COVID.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You have to manage your expectations going in. Entrepreneurship is exhilarating and gives you the opportunity to put your vision forward.
There is not one single hard thing - you have to be ready to face multiple challenges on a regular basis without these challenges bringing you or your team down.
Changes in team members, clients who feel let down, updating knowledge, seeing the industry change, having a slow month. You have to stay strong and focused.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about what you choose to do.
- Don’t look to be popular.
- Do what’s right to sustain your business, all while genuinely caring about your clients and team.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I love being an entrepreneur - it keeps me on my toes. The thrill of taking on a life project, meeting interesting people, getting involved with the community, meeting the challenges posed by company life, learning about yourself throughout time, and feeling high in life when you achieve – an amazing experience that I wouldn’t hesitate to take on again.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.georgeslaoun.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgeslaounopticien
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgeslaounopticien/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgeslaounopticien/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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